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THE chemicals used to fireproof everything from computers to carpets are accumulating in the food chain at a frightening rate. The chemicals, called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are in the same family as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and have the same toxic effects in animal tests. Michael Ikonomou and his colleagues from the Canadian Government’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans found that levels of PBDEs in arctic seals have increased exponentially over the past 20 years, and are set to overtake levels of PCBs in the area by 2050 (Environmental Science and Technology, vol 36, p 1886). No one knows what effect the chemicals have on people. PBDEs are banned in much of Europe, but aren’t regulated in the US and Canada.